Project results are available on the LowTEMP website. LowTEMP partners have developed a series of guidelines, strategies and tools to plan, implement, finance and manage low temperature district heating systems that contribute to a sustainable energy supply in the partner countries.

The following solutions are available under What we do:

  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) for LTDH Systems

This output consists of three parts: an analysis, an excel-based tool, and a manual. The analysis gives detailed information on the topic life cycle cost analysis and how the tool was developed. With the help of the excel-based tool, future stakeholders can calculate the costs of a LTDH system that occur during a life cycle. The result can subsequently be compared to the life cycle costs of conventional, non-DH systems, or with decentralized systems and thus function as a basis for decision-making. The manual gives guidance on how to use the tool and how to compare the results with the alternatives just mentioned. The manual includes an example calculation from the LowTEMP pilot measure from Gulbene municipality.

  • Simulation Model on the Environmental Benefits of LTDH

The simulation is a user-friendly tool, which can be used by non-technical users to start a discussion on general aspects of planned heat supply concepts between municipalities, energy utility companies or investors. It illustrates ecological as well as economic aspects including investment cost and cost of operation. The tool displays results for different aspects like energy resources and uses of energy but also for essential infrastructure elements such as distribution methods and energy storage facilities. Based on the data input and the choice of parameters of the user, the estimated heating demand of the area as well as the estimated length and dimension of the heating grid is calculated.

  • Calculation Method to Determine Economic Efficiency and Funding Gaps

An excel-based calculation tool can help stakeholders to determine the profitability and help to calculate the funding gap of a project based on the internal rate of return and net present value of an investment over a period of 20 years. The user has the freedom to configure investments in either grid, generating plant, or both. Up to three different types of generating plants can be chosen out of a variety of different technologies but own settings are possible, too.

  • Study on Business Models and Innovative Funding Structures for LTDH

The study offers an introduction to business models in general and current funding structures for district heating systems in the Baltic Sea Region. It describes the components of the most widely known tool – the business model canvas – and showcases how this model could be used for classical DH and LTDH. It also includes a toolbox introducing tools for business model development for LTDH. A template of a business model canvas is also available on the website. Both these elements can be used by district heating companies, municipalities and consultants involved in analysing the potential for LTDH in a certain area as well as for the development of news business plans.

All solutions, tools and supporting documents are available for download and use in order to support the implementation of Low temperature district heating systems.